A TRAIN carrying sulphuric acid derailed in the suburbs of the Senegalese capital Dakar in the early hours of Sunday, prompting the evacuation of hundreds of people and sending 45 to hospital, firefighters said. Three cars derailed, spilling their corrosive cargo over Dakar’s Thiaroye suburb, the firefighters said, who had established a security perimeter around the site of the accident. They were continuing their rescue and recovery operation on Sunday. Many residents inhaled dangerous fumes from the acid, which is strongly corrosive and can cause severe irritation or burns to the eye, skin or respiratory tract. Sulphuric acid is widely used in the production of fertilisers and other goods such as car batteries. – AFP